Research Reveals Drone Hotspots in Germany Amid Rising Incidents
Research Reveals Drone Hotspots in Germany Amid Rising Incidents
A recent investigation by Bild, Welt, and the Axel Springer Academy, based on Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) documents, reveals a sharp rise in drone incidents across Germany. By mid-November 2025, the BKA recorded 1,072 cases involving 1,955 drones, mostly observed during evening hours. Multiple drone flights and swarms have been frequently detected, particularly near military facilities. The coastal regions of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein stand out as two main hotspots, especially around Bundeswehr bases by the North and Baltic Seas. The BKA report highlights that many drone sightings occurred during military exercises with significance for national and alliance defense. Suspicion has fallen on Russian vessels “Lauga,” “HAV Snapper,” and “HAV Dolphin,” believed by European intelligence to be operating on behalf of Russia due to unusual movement patterns and lack of commercial activity. Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Interior acknowledges the awareness of this ‘shadow fleet’ phenomenon and the ongoing investigations, noting a sustained high number of drone overflights and suspected foreign state involvement in some cases.